When it comes to New Year celebration, my wife and I aren’t necessarily the best or most thrilling but a number of years ago we learned of this fun ritual that we use to chart out the year ahead in a simple and fun yet productive way. Here’s how it goes:
Make a list of no less than 3 things you want to be, have, and do over the course of the year.
We call it the “Be, Have, Do List”. In its essence, it’s goal-setting and prioritizing, but whenever we sit down with a cup of tea or lay in bed to peck out these short lists, it’s always fun “us time” when we get to think about the bigger picture and dream about our future. Trying to keep the list somewhat concise helps cut out the fluff and dial in on what you really want for yourself and your family.
Our lists will stay in the back of our minds for the first couple weeks during the beginning of January and we always share the good ones we thought of during the day. It usually sparks good conversation and helps us gel a bit on what we both want out of life.
The sky is the limit but here are a few examples:
BE
1. Committed to a workout routine
2. A more focused Dad and spouse
3. Deeper in love with my spouse
HAVE
1. A new fun hobby
2. A better prayer life
3. A vegetable garden big enough to eat from all year and can the surplus
DO
1. More things with my family outside
2. A big vacation (or a couple small ones)
3. Go fishing more
Creating the Be, Have, Do List is surprisingly effective. In the past, we’ve created our lists and pretty much forgotten about them during the busyness of the year only to find that, at the end of the year, we’ve actually achieved some of those big-picture goals we dreamt about just 365 days ago; that feels good. It’s fun to dream, fun to step back from the urgencies of day-to-day living, and super fun to look back on the year and see progress.
Think of any ideas you would put on your list yet? Have a variation of the Be, Have, Do List that you do? Share them with us in the comments below!
Posted by Mr. Olsen
